Description and Classification

Loricatosaurus belonged to the Stegosauria group, a type of herbivorous, armored dinosaur known for the bony plates and spikes along their backs and tails. These dinosaurs are part of a larger group called Thyreophora, which also includes ankylosaurs. Loricatosaurus was a medium-sized stegosaur, estimated to have been about 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) long. Like other stegosaurs, it walked on four legs, had a small head, and a bulky body.

Its back was adorned with a series of bony plates, and it likely had spikes on its tail for defense. The fossils originally assigned to Loricatosaurus were first described as a species of Lexovisaurus. However, further study by paleontologist Susannah Maidment and her colleagues revealed significant differences, leading to the creation of the new genus Loricatosaurus. It is considered a member of the family Stegosauridae, making it a relative of more famous dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and the African stegosaur Kentrosaurus.

Distinguishing Features

Loricatosaurus had several features that helped paleontologists identify it as a distinct type of stegosaur:

• It possessed relatively narrow, tall bony plates running along its back. The exact arrangement of these plates is still a subject of study.
• A prominent feature was a pair of long spikes that likely projected outwards from its shoulder area. These are known as parascapular spines.
• Like most stegosaurs, Loricatosaurus probably had a “thagomizer” – a set of two or more pairs of spikes at the end of its tail used as a defensive weapon against predators.
• Some evidence suggests it may have had additional smaller, pebble-like bones called ossicles embedded in its skin, offering further protection.

Paleoenvironment and Diet

During the Middle Jurassic, the areas of Europe where Loricatosaurus lived were part of a series of islands with a warm, subtropical climate. The environment likely consisted of coastal plains, open woodlands, and areas rich in ferns and cycads. Loricatosaurus shared this environment with other dinosaurs, including large sauropods like Cetiosaurus and various predatory theropods.

As a herbivore, Loricatosaurus would have fed on low-growing plants. Its small head and beak-like mouth were suited for cropping ferns, cycads, and possibly young conifers. Due to its body structure, it was a low browser, unable to reach high into trees. It likely spent its days peacefully grazing in herds or small groups for protection.

Significance and Ongoing Research

The study of Loricatosaurus is important for understanding the diversity and evolution of stegosaurian dinosaurs, particularly in Europe during the Middle Jurassic. It helps fill gaps in our knowledge of how these unique armored dinosaurs spread and changed over time. The reclassification of material from Lexovisaurus to Loricatosaurus shows how scientific understanding evolves as new research methods are applied to old discoveries.

Ongoing research may focus on finding more complete fossil specimens of Loricatosaurus. More fossils would help scientists create a more accurate picture of its appearance, the exact arrangement of its plates and spikes, and its relationship to other European stegosaurs like Dacentrurus and Miragaia. Discoveries of Loricatosaurus and similar dinosaurs contribute to our understanding of the complex ecosystems that existed millions of years ago.